Classic restaurants in San Francisco...

[jacksonkev]

The other night a few of us came up with the idea of dining once a quarter at a SF classic. Yes, I know, the new restaurant scene is blowing up in San Francisco but I thought it would be nice to give some of the restaurants that gave this city it's reputation a try. Besides, I think it would be nice to give them the business. A few that came to mind....

-Woodward's Garden (I realize this is not nearly as old as the rest but this was the best in the 80's)
-Fleur de Lys (ditto)
-Sam's Grill
-Alfred's Steak House
-Tadich Grill
-The Big Four
-John's Grill

I'd appreciate any additional ideas....

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Big Four
1075 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

[klyeoh]

I cannot resist Tadich Grill & Sam's Grill :-)

What about Fior d'Italia? I hardly hear CHs mention it.

http://www.fior.com/

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Tadich Grill
240 California St, San Francisco, CA 94111

[jacksonkev]

I forgot about Fior d'Italia...thanks!

[wolfe]

Sam Wo.

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Sam Wo Restaurant
813 Washington Street, San Francisco, CA 94108

[jacksonkev]

Good call.

[Windy]

Hayes St Grill
Bix
Capitol Restaurant
Khan Toke Thai House

Many of the taquerias are 30+ years old: La Cumbre, La Taqueria, El Toro, Pancho Villa.

Woodward's Garden in its current incarnation dates to the 90s.

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Bix
56 Gold St., San Francisco, CA 94133

La Taqueria
2889 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Khan Toke Thai House
5937 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94121

Woodward's Garden
1700 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94103

[jacksonkev]

Thanks...I meant to say 90's re:Woodward's Tavern

[Michael Rodriguez]

Le Central.

[CarrieWas218]

Swan's Oyster Bistro
Gold Dust Lounge
Manor Coffee House
Buena Vista
Sears
Far East Cafe
Lefty O'Doul's
Spengers (Berkeley)
Tommy's Joynt

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Tommy's Joynt
1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109

Buena Vista Cafe
2765 Hyde St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Far East Cafe
631 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

Manor Coffee Shop
321 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127

[DavidT]

Little Joe's, although it has changed location several times.

Tu Lan
Henry's Hunan
Harris'
Tommaso's

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Little Joe's
1106 Market St, San Francisco, CA

[Civil Bear]

Not yet mentioned:
Scoma's and Bills Place for Burgers

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Bill's Place
2315 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94121

[Robert Lauriston]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/302890

[jacksonkev]

Wow...some great additions!

But to take it in a slightly different direction, what about restaurants that have been both innovative and stood the test of time. They don't necessarily have to be the oldest SF restaurants but definitely pillars.

3 that come to mind that changed the food scene...

-Chez Panisse (local/seasonal)
-Greens (vegetarian)
-Eos (California Asian fusion)

[DavidT]

Zuni
Hayes Street Grill

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Zuni Cafe
1658 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

Hayes Street Grill
324 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102